South Korea’s hospitality industry reached a new milestone on July 31, 2025, with the grand opening of Shilla Monogram Gangneung, the latest jewel in the Shilla Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Nestled along Gangneung’s scenic coastline, this sophisticated property redefines what it means to enjoy a coastal getaway, merging luxury, culture, and nature into a single unforgettable experience.
As the second property under the Shilla Monogram brand, following the success of Shilla Monogram Danang in Vietnam, the Gangneung debut signals the brand’s continued evolution. It combines the understated elegance of The Shilla with a vibrant connection to local heritage, positioning itself as a must-visit retreat for travelers seeking tranquility alongside cultural immersion.
World-Class Accommodations With a View
The newly opened Shilla Monogram Gangneung boasts 917 rooms, including 315 hotel rooms and 602 residence units, with over 90% offering sweeping ocean views of the sparkling Songjeong Beach.
- For Families: The fifth floor is designed entirely for children, featuring Kids Concept Rooms with bunk beds, themed interiors, and family-sized spaces that inspire both play and comfort.
- For Couples: Signature Suites offer private Jacuzzis overlooking the sea, while Terrace Suites include private pools and sun-drenched terraces for a romantic escape.
- For Extended Stays: Spacious residences provide the perfect blend of homelike convenience and resort-level service, ensuring comfort for both short visits and long-term stays.
Guests will also find exclusive leisure options such as the Little Monogram play area, Private Party and Media Rooms, a Screen Golf facility, and a 24-hour Library & Business Corner. Complementing these are high-end conveniences including a wine shop, coin laundry, and even an in-house convenience store—amenities designed to anticipate every traveler’s need.
Gangneung: South Korea’s Coastal Gem
Only two hours by train from Seoul, Gangneung has grown into one of South Korea’s most beloved travel destinations. The city welcomed 33 million domestic visitors and 350,000 international tourists in 2024, underscoring its popularity with both locals and global explorers.
Gangneung’s global recognition is fueled by its deep ties to K-content. Fans flock here to visit filming locations of iconic Korean dramas such as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God and music videos by leading K-Pop groups including BTS. This cultural appeal has made the city especially popular with international visitors, particularly from the United States.
Beyond entertainment, Gangneung is also celebrated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Its culinary scene is renowned for regional delicacies like mulhoe (spicy raw fish soup), crispy potato pancakes, and artisanal tofu dishes. These offerings highlight the city’s deep connection to the land and sea, bringing fresh, locally sourced ingredients to life in unforgettable ways.
A Lifestyle Destination Where Leisure Meets Culture
The Shilla Monogram Gangneung is more than a hotel—it is a lifestyle destination that bridges luxury and local culture. Guests can explore nearby attractions within minutes, including Anmok Coffee Street, Gyeongpodae Pavilion, Jungang Market, and the immersive Arte Museum Gangneung.
Whether savoring coffee by the sea, wandering through traditional markets, or admiring digital art installations, the hotel’s location allows guests to easily balance relaxation with exploration. This blend of experiences highlights Gangneung’s growing reputation as a center for healing tourism, a concept focused on wellness, culture, and natural beauty.
Sustainability and Vision for the Future
Aligned with South Korea’s commitment to sustainable tourism, Shilla Monogram Gangneung integrates eco-conscious design and operations. The hotel’s architecture emphasizes natural light, eco-friendly materials, and energy-efficient systems that minimize environmental impact while maximizing guest comfort.
Looking beyond South Korea, the Shilla Monogram brand is also preparing for international expansion, with upcoming developments in China. By combining sustainability, luxury, and cultural authenticity, Shilla Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself as a leader in Asia’s lifestyle hospitality sector.
Redefining Coastal Luxury in South Korea
The opening of Shilla Monogram Gangneung signifies a bold new chapter for both the Shilla brand and Gangneung’s tourism identity. With world-class accommodations, gourmet dining, family-friendly facilities, and direct access to K-culture experiences, the property offers something for every traveler.
For domestic visitors, it provides a refreshing seaside retreat within easy reach of Seoul. For international tourists, it represents a gateway to South Korea’s culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Together, these elements ensure the resort will stand as a landmark destination not only for 2025 but for years to come.
As Gangneung continues to position itself as Asia’s capital of healing tourism, Shilla Monogram Gangneung emerges as both a luxury sanctuary and a cultural beacon. Guests who step into this retreat will find themselves immersed in an environment where relaxation, recreation, and gastronomy converge, setting a new benchmark for coastal hospitality in South Korea.
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